Hochstein Aktiengesellschaft has teamed up with architects, academics, investors and other companies in the construction industry to create the German Sustainable Building Council.

The new non-profit organisation – which will be based in Stuttgart – will create a certification system for sustainable real estate projects. Projects, which prioritize environment-friendly, healthy and resource-saving criteria right from the planning phase, during construction and in subsequent utilization, will be awarded a uniform quality label.

The decisive factor is the overall view of a building during all the phases of its life, says Professor Bernhard Bürklin, Head of Corporate Projects at Hochtief and designated member of the Council’s presidium.

The first certification of a building is to take place this year. The German organization has been formed under the umbrella of the World Green Building Council, which is engaged worldwide in furthering sustainable construction methods and resource-saving properties. The focus of its activities is in the USA, where the trend to green buildings is setting new standards.

Hochtief – via its subsidiary Turner – says that it is leading the way in this field. Turner is already member of the US Green Building Council and in the past ten years, the company has accomplished more than 175 Green Building projects. Of these projects, 41 have received certification and 70 have been registered with the US Green Building Council.

Operating under the slogan “For a future-oriented built environment”, the German Sustainable Building Council aims to promote sustainable building in Germany, focusing not just on the actual construction process but also on the entire life cycle of properties.

Hochtief employs around 47,000 employees and had a sales volume of

15.51 billion Euros in financial year 2006.

Dana Gornitzki

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